KANSAS CITY, Mo. -
Damondre McKnight's last-second putback lifted No. 3 seed Rogers State men's basketball (21-9, 13-6 MIAA) to its first-ever MIAA Tournament Semifinal victory, defeating No. 7 seed Missouri Southern (18-13, 10-9 MIAA) 72-70 at Municipal Auditorium on Saturday night.
The Hillcats will make history on Sunday afternoon by competing in their first-ever MIAA Championship against No. 3 Washburn, which earlier defeated Missouri Western in the semifinal. Action from Municipal Auditorium is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
Rogers State capitalized on turnovers, scoring 17 points off 10 by the Lions, while dominating the paint with 40 points. The rubber match featured 12 lead changes and four ties. Additionally, the RSU bench contributed 18 points, compared to just three for MSSU.
The Hillcats opened the first half strong, using free throws by
Caden Fry to establish an early lead. RSU maintained its momentum with effective scoring in the paint, highlighted by a layup from
Jabryn Anderson and a dunk by Fry. They also demonstrated solid defense with four steals that led to fast-break opportunities, putting early pressure on the Lions.
Throughout the half, neither team could find an edge over the other, resulting in 10 changes. RSU pulled ahead in the final moments with a layup by Anderson at 1:26, closing the half with a 34-31 lead. Anderson led the way offensively in the opening 20 minutes with 10 points on 4-of-6 shooting from the field.
RSU initiated the second half with a narrow lead, but the Lions quickly responded, gaining momentum with a fast-break 3-pointer early in the half. The Cats' countered with strong inside play, including a dunk by
Andrew Mason at 16:42 to keep the contest tight.
Despite starting the second half with a narrow lead, the Lions quickly found a rhythm, gaining momentum with an early fast-break 3-pointer. The Hillcats countered with strong inside play, including a dunk by Mason at 16:42, keeping the contest tight.
Midway through the half, RSU pulled closer with a 3-pointer by McKnight at 11:47. The Hillcats continued to engage defensively, highlighted by a crucial steal and fast-break layup by
Stephon Thomas.
The ending was dramatic to say the least. With 4:14 remaining and down one, Anderson executed a perfect inbound pass to Fry, who converted an and-one to give RSU a 60-59 advantage—their first lead since 18:07 in the second half. RSU remained in the lead until Jaden Taylor tied the game at 70-70 with seven seconds remaining. Following a missed shot by Mason in heavy traffic, McKnight tipped in the game-winner with under a second remaining, sealing the 72-70 victory.
Anderson led RSU with 16 points, converting 5-of-12 shots, while adding eight rebounds and four assists. Mason contributed 14 points and five rebounds. McKnight scored 11 points, hit three 3-pointers and recorded eight rebounds. Fry added 12 points, making all four of his free throws and providing three assists.
Taylor led the Lions with 27 points, hitting 11-of-19 field goals and converting 5-of-9 from the free-throw line. Gavyn Elkamil contributed 19 points, including three 3-pointers and collected six rebounds. Isaiah Atwater added 14 points, making 6-of-16 shots and recording two assists. Tyrone Wright finished with 12 rebounds and five blocked shots.
